But Mr Abbott, who is attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, told reporters "there's absolutely no evidence" to support the claims.

"These are just claims without any apparent facts to back them up," he said.

"I have complete confidence in the decency, the humanity and the professionalism of Australia's naval and customs personnel who I commend for a magnificent job."

Earlier on Wednesday, Immigration Minister Scott Morrison said people smugglers had a strong motivation for fabricating stories to discredit Australia's border protection policies.

Mr Abbott told reporters that people making allegations "should be able to produce some evidence".

"Who do you believe? Do you believe Australian naval personnel or do you believe people who were attempting to break Australian law?" Mr Abbott said.

"I trust Australia's naval personnel."

Indonesian police detective Sam Kawengian says the claims warrant investigation and he has invited Australian authorities to view the evidence.

He said police had filed preliminary reports about what they had seen and been told by the asylum seekers.

Indonesian MP says Australia must investigate claims

Indonesian MP Tantowi Yahya, who is a member of the country's foreign affairs commission, told ABC's 7.30 program that Australian officials must investigate the claims of abuse.

"I think we still need to clarify these allegations," he said.

"If it is true, then the government of Australia has clearly violated human rights of the asylum seekers and at the same time they have also violated the territory of Indonesians.

"I think it is a must for the Australian Government to investigate so the authority of Australia don't immediately make a statement to the world that there is no violations of human rights of the asylum seekers that was taking place on the oceans.

You have no doubt been hearing a lot about the Paris Agreement and know that it pertains to climate change, but are too embarrassed at this stage to ask for an overall explanation of what it's all about.